In brief
Following the shocking assassination of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University, students are rallying in his memory. Many express a newfound political activism, regardless of their previous affiliations, as they aim to honor Kirk's commitment to debate and discussion. This incident has sparked a vibrant dialogue among students, prompting them to engage in political issues more actively.
Scott Sperry jotted his name down on a sign-up sheet.The 22-year-old student at Utah Valley University had watched Charlie Kirk's videos for years and credits the conservative firebrand with being a catalyst in his own political involvement. Now, on this Thursday afternoon, moments before his political hero was about to speak on campus, Sperry thought it was time for him to pay it forward by joining his school's chapter of Turning Point USA - the organization Kirk co-founded in 2012 to advocate for conservatism on college campuses.Moments after taking his front-row seat to see Kirk speak, Sperry watched in shock as a sniper bullet rang out and blood started pouring from Kirk's neck. The images, he said, he still can't shake, but he thinks the loss will only strengthen the movement Kirk inspired him to join.'When you try to silence a voice like this, they don't go away - you only amplify it,' sophomore Scott Sperry said. 'There are now going to be a million Charlie Kirks, and I feel like that's the thing that we need to do.'As the immediate shock of the attack calms, some at Utah Valley University reported feeling a deep resolve to continue what Kirk began. Students with various political ideologies - including those opposed to Kirk's beliefs - conveyed a personal sense of responsibility to ensure healthy debates continue on college campuses.With branches at more than 850 colleges, Turning Point USA - which Kirk co-founded at 18 years old - has been credited with helping galvanize younger voters and influencing significant political outcomes, including the election of Donald Trump.Many students expressed a commitment to keep the spirit of debate alive, viewing it as crucial to their democratic process, regardless of differing opinions. The shooting incident has ignited a movement among students at Utah Valley University, with many pledging an increase in political activism and public discourse in memory of Kirk.
